đ Makar sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. It marks the Sunâs transition into the Makara (Capricorn) sign, symbolizing the beginning of Uttarayan â the northward journey of the Sun.
đ°ď¸ Important Timings (Punya Kaal & Muhurat)
- Sankranti Moment: ~03:13âŻPM (when sun enters Makara)
- Punya Kaal: ~03:13âŻPM â 05:45âŻPM
- Most Auspicious (Maha Punya): ~03:13âŻPM â 04:58âŻPM
These times are ideal for performing rituals such as Surya Puja, holy bath, and Dana (charity).
đ Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar sankranti is one of the most auspicious Hindu solar festivals and has deep spiritual, agricultural and seasonal importance:
đž Uttarayan & Harvest: It marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days â a sign of renewal and prosperity.
âď¸ Sun Worship (Surya Dev): Devotees honor the sun God as the provider of energy, health, and life.
đď¸ Harvest festival across India: Though celebrated with different names regionally (like Maghi, Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan), the underlying theme is gratitude for crops and abundance.
đ§Â Why Ganga Snan (Holy Bath) Is Important on Makar Sankranti
One of the most important and sacred practices on makar sankranti is taking a holy dip (snan) in sacred rivers, especially the Ganga:
â¨Â Purification & Spiritual Merit
- Ritual bath in rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, or Saryu is believed to wash away sins, purify the soul, and enhance spiritual virtue.
- In many traditional texts and practices, bathing on makar sankranti is considered highly meritoriousââ even more than on ordinary auspicious days.
â˛Â Sacred Morning Snan Window
According to astrologers for 2026, the holy bath (including Ganga Snan) is especially recommended between ~9:03âŻAM and ~10:48âŻAM on the festival day.
This early morning snan is believed to boost spiritual cleansing and bring peace, prosperity, and good karma when performed during this Punya Kaal.
đĽÂ Rituals & Customs of Makar Sankranti
đ 1. surya Puja (Sun Worship)
- Devotees rise early, take a ritual bath, and then offer water with sesame seeds (til), rice and flowers to the rising Sun.
đŻÂ 2. TilâGur Sweets
- Preparing and sharing sweets made of til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) symbolizes warmth, sweetness in relationships, and unity.
đ 3. Daan (Charity)
- Donating essentials like sesame seeds, grains, jaggery, blankets, clothes, food to the needy enhances the Punya (good karma) earned on this day.
đ˛Â 4. Traditional Foods
- Depending on region, dishes like khichdi, pongal, til laddu, gur chikki are prepared and enjoyed with family and neighbors.
đĄÂ 5. Decorations and Celebrations
- Homes are cleaned and decorated; people fly kites, arrange rangoli, and celebrate with community and family gatherings.
đŞÂ Cultural & Regional Variations
Across India, Makar sankranti is celebrated with diverse local flavors:
- Gujarat & Rajasthan: Famous for kites and Uttarayan festivities.
- Punjab & Haryana: Observed as Maghi, marking the harvest season.
- Tamil Nadu: Celebrated as Pongal, with special offerings to cattle and cows.
Even traditional foods like GIâtagged Marcha Chura have become a favorite across regions during this festival.
đ In Short
đ Makar sankranti 2026 â Wednesday, january 14
đŤ Sun enters Capricorn and Uttarayan begins
đ§ Ganga Snan and holy river dips bring great spiritual merit
đŻ TilâGur, charity, surya Puja, and festive foods are key traditions
đ°ď¸ Punya Kaal is best for snan and puja (afternoon and early morning windows)
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the readerâs own risk.
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